Twilght: Edward's Story

3. Chapter 3

Denali was our home away from home. Alaska offered privacy, open space, and good hunting for our kind. Yes, this is only place where I could clear my head, rid myself of the lust I felt for Bella Swan's siren blood.

I drove expertly through the frozen tundra of Tanya's land. She and her coven owned countless acres here. After a few minutes, I pulled up to Tanya's house. Although to call it a house was practically an insult. It was more of a palatial and luxurious log cabin. It was three stories high and fanned out on either side, with a large front porch and deck around back. There were floor to ceiling windows, showing off large stone fireplaces, wood floors, exposed rafters (if you were outside looking in) -and snow capped mountain peaks, blue sky, or dazzling stars at night (if you were inside looking out).

I felt somewhat comforted by this place.

I deeply inhaled the sharp air, immediately questioning my reaction to Ms. Swan's blood. She couldn't have been that appallingly potent? It was hard to imagine that I had been so tempted.

Upon hearing soft footsteps, I turned. Tanya was coming to greet me. She was centuries older than myself, but was still an unearthly beauty. She loved our family and always offered us her home with impeccable hospitality.

"Edward, welcome back!" she grinned warmly. Then her brow furrowed as she noticed the empty car behind me. I wonder why he is alone.

"Where is the rest of your family? They are well I presume?"

"Hello Tanya. Yes my family is wonderful....I ..um, I just needed to get away to work some things out. I hate to intrude, but Denali was the only place I could think of to come."

"No trouble at all Edward, I am happy to have you, come inside." Her eyebrows rose slightly as she turned to walk me towards the house. I wonder what is wrong, he is always so controlled and stoic.

I knew I would have to talk to her, but for the moment I remained quiet as I walked into her home.

At first, I wasn't sure how comfortable I would be alone in Denali. Her coven was large, but they were away hunting. When I arrived it was just Tanya and I. Many years before, Tanya had shown interest in me as a possible mate. I did not reciprocate her feelings, letting her know in the most genteel fashion. She was very poised and gracious about it...and ever since then, we were able to be closer. Tanya was quite sage in her advice, having gained much knowledge and wisdom from her millennia of existence.

A few nights later, we sat on the porch, the moon was bright and there were no sounds, no chatter of others thoughts, it was just us. I finally delved into that day at school: Bella Swan's scent, my reaction, how close I had come to destroying so many lives.

Just having her listen as I explained my shameful conduct was comforting. It was also easier now that I was away from Forks, but something was eating at me, nagging my unconscious as I spoke. I loved my family and deeply resented the fact I ran without saying goodbye to them, especially over a mere human. My reaction felt so infantile; a silly, clumsy, human girl was going to keep me from my home and my family? NO! I wouldn't let the draw of her blood control me, I was better than just some bloodthirsty monster.

Although I has just gotten to Denali and planned to stay much longer, I was eager to get home. I felt a burning determination set in as I planned to leave.

Tanya realized this and looked at me, knowing I could see what she thought as she smiled, You are stronger than you think Edward.

I sighed as I looked at the moon, then back to her, "Thank you, for everything. I promise I will be back with the family soon." With that I was off, back to my family and back to most burdensome trial of my eternal existence.